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Yap TA, Choudhury AD, Hamilton E, Rosen LS, Stratton KL, Gordon MS, Schaer D, Liu L, Zhang L, Mittapalli RK, Zhong W, Soman N, Tolcher AW. PF-06952229, a selective TGF-β-R1 inhibitor: preclinical development and a first-in-human, phase I, dose-escalation study in advanced solid tumors. ESMO Open 2024; 9:103653. [PMID: 39214047 PMCID: PMC11402040 DOI: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2024.103653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND PF-06952229 is a selective small-molecule inhibitor of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) receptor 1. We evaluated its antitumor activity in preclinical studies and its safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics in a phase I study (NCT03685591). PATIENTS AND METHODS In vitro and in vivo preclinical studies were conducted. Patients (aged ≥18 years) received PF-06952229 monotherapy [20-500 mg, oral b.i.d., 7 days on/7 days off, 28-day cycles, Part 1A (P1A)] for advanced/metastatic solid tumors and combination therapy [250/375 mg with enzalutamide, Part 1B (P1B)] for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Primary endpoints were dose-limiting toxicity (DLT), adverse events (AEs), and laboratory abnormalities. Efficacy, pharmacokinetic parameters, and biomarker modulation were assessed. RESULTS PF-06952229 showed activity in preclinical murine tumor models including pSMAD2 modulation in tumors. The study (NCT03685591) enrolled 49 patients (P1A, n = 42; P1B, n = 7). DLTs were reported in 3/35 (8.6%) P1A patients receiving PF-06952229 375 mg (anemia, intracranial tumor hemorrhage, and anemia and hypertension, all grade 3, n = 1 each). The most frequent grade 3 treatment-related AEs (TRAEs) were alanine aminotransferase increased and anemia (9.5% each). There were no grade 4-5 TRAEs. Plasma PF-06952229 exposures were dose proportional between 80 and 375 mg. Pharmacodynamic studies confirmed target modulation of pSMAD2/3 (peripheral monocytes). One P1A patient with prostate cancer receiving PF-06952229 375 mg monotherapy achieved confirmed partial response (31-month duration of response). A total of 8 patients (P1A, n = 6; P1B, n = 2) achieved stable disease. CONCLUSIONS Antitumor activity of PF-06952229 was observed in preclinical studies. PF-06952229 was generally well tolerated with manageable toxicity; a small group of patients achieved durable responses and/or disease stabilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- T A Yap
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics (Phase 1 Program), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston.
| | - A D Choudhury
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston
| | - E Hamilton
- Breast and Gynecologic Research Program, Sarah Cannon Research Institute, Nashville
| | - L S Rosen
- UCLA Hematology-Oncology, Santa Monica
| | - K L Stratton
- Department of Urology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center & The Stephenson Cancer Center, Oklahoma City
| | - M S Gordon
- HonorHealth Research Institute, Scottsdale
| | - D Schaer
- Oncology Translational Science, Pfizer, Pearl River
| | - L Liu
- Oncology Translational Science, Pfizer, San Diego
| | - L Zhang
- Oncology Research Unit, Pfizer, Inc., San Diego
| | | | - W Zhong
- Oncology Biostatistics, Pfizer, Cambridge
| | - N Soman
- Clinical Research, Pfizer, Thousand Oaks
| | - A W Tolcher
- Clinical Research, NEXT Oncology, San Antonio, USA
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Weissenrieder JS, Peura J, Paudel U, Bhalerao N, Weinmann N, Johnson C, Wengyn M, Drager R, Furth EE, Simin K, Ruscetti M, Stanger BZ, Rustgi AK, Pitarresi JR, Foskett JK. Mitochondrial Ca 2+ controls pancreatic cancer growth and metastasis by regulating epithelial cell plasticity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.08.08.607195. [PMID: 39149344 PMCID: PMC11326289 DOI: 10.1101/2024.08.08.607195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Endoplasmic reticulum to mitochondria Ca2+ transfer is important for cancer cell survival, but the role of mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake through the mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter (MCU) in pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is poorly understood. Here, we show that increased MCU expression is associated with malignancy and poorer outcomes in PDAC patients. In isogenic murine PDAC models, Mcu deletion (Mcu KO) ablated mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake, which reduced proliferation and inhibited self-renewal. Orthotopic implantation of MCU-null tumor cells reduced primary tumor growth and metastasis. Mcu deletion reduced the cellular plasticity of tumor cells by inhibiting epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which contributes to metastatic competency in PDAC. Mechanistically, the loss of mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake reduced expression of the key EMT transcription factor Snail and secretion of the EMT-inducing ligand TGFβ. Snail re-expression and TGFβ treatment rescued deficits in Mcu KO cells and restored their metastatic ability. Thus, MCU may present a therapeutic target in PDAC to limit cancer-cell-induced EMT and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian S Weissenrieder
- Department of Physiology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jessica Peura
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Usha Paudel
- Department of Physiology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nikita Bhalerao
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Natalie Weinmann
- Department of Chemistry, Millersville University, Millersville, PA, USA
| | - Calvin Johnson
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Maximilian Wengyn
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Rebecca Drager
- Department of Chemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Emma Elizabeth Furth
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Karl Simin
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Marcus Ruscetti
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Ben Z Stanger
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104-5157, USA
| | - Anil K Rustgi
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York City, NY 10032, USA
| | - Jason R Pitarresi
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - J Kevin Foskett
- Department of Physiology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Pessino G, Scotti C, Maggi M, Immuno-Hub Consortium. Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Old and Emerging Therapeutic Targets. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:901. [PMID: 38473265 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16050901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer, predominantly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), globally ranks sixth in incidence and third in cancer-related deaths. HCC risk factors include non-viral hepatitis, alcohol abuse, environmental exposures, and genetic factors. No specific genetic alterations are unequivocally linked to HCC tumorigenesis. Current standard therapies include surgical options, systemic chemotherapy, and kinase inhibitors, like sorafenib and regorafenib. Immunotherapy, targeting immune checkpoints, represents a promising avenue. FDA-approved checkpoint inhibitors, such as atezolizumab and pembrolizumab, show efficacy, and combination therapies enhance clinical responses. Despite this, the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a challenge, as the complex tumor ecosystem and the immunosuppressive microenvironment associated with it hamper the efficacy of the available therapeutic approaches. This review explores current and advanced approaches to treat HCC, considering both known and new potential targets, especially derived from proteomic analysis, which is today considered as the most promising approach. Exploring novel strategies, this review discusses antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy (CAR-T), and engineered antibodies. It then reports a systematic analysis of the main ligand/receptor pairs and molecular pathways reported to be overexpressed in tumor cells, highlighting their potential and limitations. Finally, it discusses TGFβ, one of the most promising targets of the HCC microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greta Pessino
- Unit of Immunology and General Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Claudia Scotti
- Unit of Immunology and General Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Maristella Maggi
- Unit of Immunology and General Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Immuno-Hub Consortium
- Unit of Immunology and General Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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Kim S, Oh J, Park C, Kim M, Jo W, Kim CS, Cho SW, Park J. FAM3C in Cancer-Associated Adipocytes Promotes Breast Cancer Cell Survival and Metastasis. Cancer Res 2024; 84:545-559. [PMID: 38117489 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-1641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Adipose tissue within the tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a critical role in supporting breast cancer progression. In this study, we identified FAM3 metabolism-regulating signaling molecule C (FAM3C) produced by cancer-associated adipocytes (CAA) as a key regulator of tumor progression. FAM3C overexpression in cultured adipocytes significantly reduced cell death in both adipocytes and cocultured breast cancer cells while suppressing markers of fibrosis. Conversely, FAM3C depletion in CAAs resulted in adipocyte-mesenchymal transition (AMT) and increased fibrosis within the TME. Adipocyte FAM3C expression was driven by TGFβ signaling from breast cancer cells and was reduced upon treatment with a TGFβ-neutralizing antibody. FAM3C knockdown in CAAs early in tumorigenesis in a genetically engineered mouse model of breast cancer significantly inhibited primary and metastatic tumor growth. Circulating FAM3C levels were elevated in patients with metastatic breast cancer compared with those with nonmetastatic breast cancer. These results suggest that therapeutic inhibition of FAM3C expression levels in CAAs during early tumor development could be a promising approach in the treatment of patients with breast cancer. SIGNIFICANCE High FAM3C levels in cancer-associated adipocytes contribute to tumor-supportive niches and are tightly associated with metastatic growth, indicating that FAM3C inhibition could be beneficial for treating patients with breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahee Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Information and Biotechnology, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiyoung Oh
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Information and Biotechnology, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Chanho Park
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Information and Biotechnology, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Information and Biotechnology, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Woobeen Jo
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Information and Biotechnology, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Chu-Sook Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Information and Biotechnology, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun Wook Cho
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiyoung Park
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Information and Biotechnology, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
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5
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Ahuja S, Zaheer S. Multifaceted TGF-β signaling, a master regulator: From bench-to-bedside, intricacies, and complexities. Cell Biol Int 2024; 48:87-127. [PMID: 37859532 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.12097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Physiological embryogenesis and adult tissue homeostasis are regulated by transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), an evolutionarily conserved family of secreted polypeptide factors, acting in an autocrine and paracrine manner. The role of TGF-β in inflammation, fibrosis, and cancer is complex and sometimes even contradictory, exhibiting either inhibitory or promoting effects depending on the stage of the disease. Under pathological conditions, especially fibrosis and cancer, overexpressed TGF-β causes extracellular matrix deposition, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, cancer-associated fibroblast formation, and/or angiogenesis. In this review article, we have tried to dive deep into the mechanism of action of TGF-β in inflammation, fibrosis, and carcinogenesis. As TGF-β and its downstream signaling mechanism are implicated in fibrosis and carcinogenesis blocking this signaling mechanism appears to be a promising avenue. However, targeting TGF-β carries substantial risk as this pathway is implicated in multiple homeostatic processes and is also known to have tumor-suppressor functions. There is a need for careful dosing of TGF-β drugs for therapeutic use and patient selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sana Ahuja
- Department of Pathology, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Sufian Zaheer
- Department of Pathology, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India
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Song G, Sun Z, Chu M, Zhang Z, Chen J, Wang Z, Zhu X. FBXO28 promotes cell proliferation, migration and invasion via upregulation of the TGF-beta1/SMAD2/3 signaling pathway in ovarian cancer. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:122. [PMID: 38267923 PMCID: PMC10807113 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-11893-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ovarian cancer is one of the most common gynecological malignancies due to the lack of early symptoms, early diagnosis and limited screening. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the molecular mechanism underlying the occurrence and progression of ovarian cancer and to identify a basic biomarker for the early diagnosis and clinical treatment of ovarian cancer. METHODS The association between FBXO28 and ovarian cancer prognosis was analyzed using Kaplan‒Meier survival analysis. The difference in FBXO28 mRNA expression between normal ovarian tissues and ovarian tumor tissues was obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), and Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) cohorts. The expression levels of the FBXO28 protein in ovarian cancer tissues and normal ovarian tissues were measured via immunohistochemical staining. Western blotting was used to determine the level of FBXO28 expression in ovarian cancer cells. The CCK-8, the colony formation, Transwell migration and invasion assays were performed to evaluate cell proliferation and motility. RESULTS We found that a higher expression level of FBXO28 was associated with poor prognosis in ovarian cancer patients. Analysis of the TCGA and GTEx cohorts showed that the FBXO28 mRNA level was lower in normal ovarian tissue samples than in ovarian cancer tissue samples. Compared with that in normal ovarian tissues or cell lines, the expression of FBXO28 was greater in ovarian tumor tissues or tumor cells. The upregulation of FBXO28 promoted the viability, proliferation, migration and invasion of ovarian cancer cells. Finally, we demonstrated that FBXO28 activated the TGF-beta1/Smad2/3 signaling pathway in ovarian cancer. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, FBXO28 enhanced oncogenic function via upregulation of the TGF-beta1/Smad2/3 signaling pathway in ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gendi Song
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Zhengwei Sun
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Man Chu
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Zihan Zhang
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Jiajia Chen
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Zhiwei Wang
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China.
| | - Xueqiong Zhu
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China.
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Rastogi S, Mishra SS, Arora MK, Kaithwas G, Banerjee S, Ravichandiran V, Roy S, Singh L. Lactate acidosis and simultaneous recruitment of TGF-β leads to alter plasticity of hypoxic cancer cells in tumor microenvironment. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 250:108519. [PMID: 37625521 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Lactate acidosis is often observed in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of solid tumors. This is because glucose breaks down quickly via glycolysis, causing lactate acidity. Lactate is harmful to healthy cells, but is a major oncometabolite for solid cancer cells that do not receive sufficient oxygen. As an oncometabolite, it helps tumor cells perform different functions, which helps solid hypoxic tumor cells spread to other parts of the body. Studies have shown that the acidic TME contains VEGF, Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), cathepsins, and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), all of which help spread in direct and indirect ways. Although each cytokine is important in its own manner in the TME, TGF-β has received much attention for its role in metastatic transformation. Several studies have shown that lactate acidosis can cause TGF-β expression in solid hypoxic cancers. TGF-β has also been reported to increase the production of fatty acids, making cells more resistant to treatment. TGF-β has also been shown to control the expression of VEGF and MMPs, which helps solid hypoxic tumors become more aggressive by helping them spread and create new blood vessels through an unknown process. The role of TGF-β under physiological conditions has been described previously. In this study, we examined the role of TGF-β, which is induced by lactate acidosis, in the spread of solid hypoxic cancer cells. We also found that TGF-β and lactate work together to boost fatty acid production, which helps angiogenesis and invasiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saumya Rastogi
- School of Pharmaceutical & Population Health Informatics, DIT University, Dehardun, Uttarakhand-248009, India
| | - Shashank Shekher Mishra
- School of Pharmaceutical & Population Health Informatics, DIT University, Dehardun, Uttarakhand-248009, India
| | - Mandeep Kumar Arora
- School of Pharmaceutical & Population Health Informatics, DIT University, Dehardun, Uttarakhand-248009, India
| | - Gaurav Kaithwas
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (A central university), Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sugato Banerjee
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Kolkata, West Bengal 700054, India
| | - Velayutham Ravichandiran
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Kolkata, West Bengal 700054, India
| | - Subhadeep Roy
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Kolkata, West Bengal 700054, India.
| | - Lakhveer Singh
- School of Pharmaceutical & Population Health Informatics, DIT University, Dehardun, Uttarakhand-248009, India.
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Zhang L, Wang X, Nepovimova E, Wu Q, Wu W, Kuca K. Deoxynivalenol upregulates hypoxia-inducible factor-1α to promote an "immune evasion" process by activating STAT3 signaling. Food Chem Toxicol 2023; 179:113975. [PMID: 37517547 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2023.113975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Trichothecene mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON) negatively regulates immune response by damaging host immune system and harming the organism's health. We hypothesized that DON can initiate an active immunosuppressive mechanism similar to "immune evasion" to alter the cellular microenvironment and evade immune surveillance. We tested this hypothesis using the RAW264.7 macrophage model. DON rapidly increased the expression of immune checkpoints PD-1 and PD-L1, inflammatory cytokine TGF-β, and key immune evasion factors STAT3, VEGF, and TLR-4, and caused cellular hypoxia. Importantly, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) acts as a key regulator of DON-induced immunosuppression. HIF-1α accumulated in the cytoplasm and was gradually transferred to the nucleus following DON treatment. Moreover, DON activated HIF-1α through STAT3 signaling to upregulate downstream signaling, including PD-1/PD-L1. Under DON treatment, immunosuppressive miR-210-3p, lncRNA PVT1, lncRNA H19, and lncRNA HOTAIR were upregulated by the STAT3/HIF-1α axis. Moreover, DON damaged mitochondrial function, causing mitophagy, and suppressed immune defenses. Collectively, DON triggered RAW264.7 intracellular hypoxia and rapidly activated HIF-1α via STAT3 signaling, activating immune evasion signals, miRNAs, and lncRNAs, thereby initiating the key link of immune evasion. This study offers further clues for accurate prevention and treatment of immune diseases caused by mycotoxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luying Zhang
- College of Life Science, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, 434025, China
| | - Xu Wang
- National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues and MAO Key Laboratory for Detection of Veterinary Drug Residues, Huazhong Agricultural University (HZAU), Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Eugenie Nepovimova
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Králové 500 03, Czech Republic
| | - Qinghua Wu
- College of Life Science, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, 434025, China; Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Králové 500 03, Czech Republic.
| | - Wenda Wu
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China; Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Králové 500 03, Czech Republic.
| | - Kamil Kuca
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Králové 500 03, Czech Republic; Biomedical Research Center, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic.
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9
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Kang BN, Kang HJ, Kim S, Lee J, Lee J, Jeong HJ, Jeon S, Shin Y, Yoon C, Han C, Seo J, Yun J. Synthesis and biological evaluation of N-(3-fluorobenzyl)-4-(1-(methyl-d 3)-1H-indazol-5-yl)-5-(6-methylpyridin-2-yl)-1H-imidazol-2-amine as a novel, potent ALK5 receptor inhibitor. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2023; 85:129205. [PMID: 36858078 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2023.129205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
Specific inhibition of ALK5 provides a novel method for controlling the development of cancers and fibrotic diseases. In this work, a novel series of N-(3-fluorobenzyl)-4-(1-(methyl-d3)-1H-indazol-5-yl)-5-(6-methylpyridin-2-yl)-1H-imidazol-2-amine (11), a potential clinical candidate, was synthesized by strategic incorporation of deuterium at potential metabolic soft spots and identified as ALK5 inhibitors. This compound has a low potential for CYP-mediated drug-drug interactions as a CYP450 inhibitor (IC50 = >10 μM) and showed potent inhibitory effects in cellular assay (IC50 = 3.5 ± 0.4 nM). The pharmacokinetic evaluation of 11 in mice demonstrated moderate clearance (29.0 mL/min/kg) and also revealed high oral bioavailability in mice (F = 67.6%).
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Affiliation(s)
- Byung-Nam Kang
- BiSiChem, 3F, Pangyo-ro, 255 beon-gil 74, Bundang-gu, Seongnam 13486, Republic of Korea; Department of Chemistry, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong-Jun Kang
- BiSiChem, 3F, Pangyo-ro, 255 beon-gil 74, Bundang-gu, Seongnam 13486, Republic of Korea
| | - Sunjoo Kim
- BiSiChem, 3F, Pangyo-ro, 255 beon-gil 74, Bundang-gu, Seongnam 13486, Republic of Korea
| | - Jungwoo Lee
- BiSiChem, 3F, Pangyo-ro, 255 beon-gil 74, Bundang-gu, Seongnam 13486, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinwoo Lee
- BiSiChem, 3F, Pangyo-ro, 255 beon-gil 74, Bundang-gu, Seongnam 13486, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee-Jin Jeong
- BiSiChem, 3F, Pangyo-ro, 255 beon-gil 74, Bundang-gu, Seongnam 13486, Republic of Korea
| | - Seeun Jeon
- BiSiChem, 3F, Pangyo-ro, 255 beon-gil 74, Bundang-gu, Seongnam 13486, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngdo Shin
- BiSiChem, 3F, Pangyo-ro, 255 beon-gil 74, Bundang-gu, Seongnam 13486, Republic of Korea
| | - Cheolhwan Yoon
- BiSiChem, 3F, Pangyo-ro, 255 beon-gil 74, Bundang-gu, Seongnam 13486, Republic of Korea
| | - Cheolkyu Han
- BiSiChem, 3F, Pangyo-ro, 255 beon-gil 74, Bundang-gu, Seongnam 13486, Republic of Korea; Department of Medical and Bioscience, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon 14662, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeongbeob Seo
- BiSiChem, 3F, Pangyo-ro, 255 beon-gil 74, Bundang-gu, Seongnam 13486, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jaesook Yun
- Department of Chemistry, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea.
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10
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Takahara T, Nakamura S, Tsuzuki T, Satou A. The Immunology of DLBCL. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:835. [PMID: 36765793 PMCID: PMC9913124 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is an aggressive malignancy and is the most common type of malignant lymphoid neoplasm. While some DLBCLs exhibit strong cell-autonomous survival and proliferation activity, others depend on interactions with non-malignant cells for their survival and proliferation. Recent next-generation sequencing studies have linked these interactions with the molecular classification of DLBCL. For example, germinal center B-cell-like DLBCL tends to show strong associations with follicular T cells and epigenetic regulation of immune recognition molecules, whereas activated B-cell-like DLBCL shows frequent genetic aberrations affecting the class I major histocompatibility complex. Single-cell technologies have also provided detailed information about cell-cell interactions and the cell composition of the microenvironment of DLBCL. Aging-related immunological deterioration, i.e., immunosenescence, also plays an important role in DLBCL pathogenesis, especially in Epstein-Barr virus-positive DLBCL. Moreover, DLBCL in "immune-privileged sites"-where multiple immune-modulating mechanisms exist-shows unique biological features, including frequent down-regulation of immune recognition molecules and an immune-tolerogenic tumor microenvironment. These advances in understanding the immunology of DLBCL may contribute to the development of novel therapies targeting immune systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taishi Takahara
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Aichi Medical University Hospital, Nagakute 480-1195, Japan
| | - Shigeo Nakamura
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan
| | - Toyonori Tsuzuki
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Aichi Medical University Hospital, Nagakute 480-1195, Japan
| | - Akira Satou
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Aichi Medical University Hospital, Nagakute 480-1195, Japan
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Feng J, Tang D, Wang J, Zhou Q, Peng J, Lou H, Sun Y, Cai Y, Chen H, Yang J, Liu P, Wang L, Zou J. SHR-1701, a Bifunctional Fusion Protein Targeting PD-L1 and TGFβ, for Recurrent or Metastatic Cervical Cancer: A Clinical Expansion Cohort of a Phase I Study. Clin Cancer Res 2022; 28:5297-5305. [PMID: 35653122 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-0346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Patients with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer have limited treatment options after platinum-containing treatment. We initiated a phase I study to assess SHR-1701, a novel bifunctional fusion protein composed of a mAb against programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) fused with the extracellular domain of TGFβ receptor II, in solid tumors (NCT03774979). Here, results from the cervical cancer cohort are presented. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer who progressed during or after platinum-based therapy were enrolled to receive SHR-1701 at 30 mg/kg every 3 weeks. Primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR) per RECIST v1.1. RESULTS In total, 32 patients were recruited. ORR was 15.6% [95% confidence interval (CI), 5.3-32.8], and disease control rate was 50.0% (95% CI, 31.9-68.1). Responses were still ongoing in 80.0% of the responders; 6-month duration of response rate was 80.0% (95% CI, 20.4-96.9). Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 2.7 months (95% CI, 1.4-4.1). Of note, as assessed by immune-modified RECIST, median PFS was 4.1 months (95% CI, 1.6-4.3). Overall survival rate at 12 months was 54.6% (95% CI, 31.8-72.7). Treatment-related adverse events of grade 3 or 4 were reported in 11 (34.4%) patients. No treatment-related deaths occurred. No difference in ORR was found between patients with PD-L1 combined positive score ≥1 or <1; patients with high phosphorylated SMAD2 level in immune cells or tumor cells had numerically higher ORR. CONCLUSIONS SHR-1701 exhibits encouraging antitumor activity and controllable safety in patients with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer after platinum-based regimens, and therefore might provide another treatment option for this population. See related commentary by Miller and Friedman, p. 5238.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jifeng Feng
- Department of Oncology, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Dihong Tang
- Gynecologic Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, P.R. China
| | - Jing Wang
- Gynecologic Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, P.R. China
| | - Qi Zhou
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, P.R. China
| | - Jin Peng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, P.R. China
| | - Hanmei Lou
- Gynecological Surgery, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yuping Sun
- Medical Oncology, Jinan Central Hospital, Jinan, P.R. China
| | - Yunlang Cai
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Zhongda Hospital Southeast University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Hongmin Chen
- Gynecology, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, P.R. China
| | - Junqin Yang
- Clinical Research and Development, Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Pan Liu
- Clinical Research and Development, Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Linna Wang
- Clinical Research and Development, Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Jianjun Zou
- Clinical Research and Development, Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd, Shanghai, P.R. China
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12
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Bu MT, Chandrasekhar P, Ding L, Hugo W. The roles of TGF-β and VEGF pathways in the suppression of antitumor immunity in melanoma and other solid tumors. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 240:108211. [PMID: 35577211 PMCID: PMC10956517 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has become well-known in cancer therapy, strengthening the body's antitumor immune response rather than directly targeting cancer cells. Therapies targeting immune inhibitory checkpoints, such as PD-1, PD-L1, and CTLA-4, have resulted in impressive clinical responses across different types of solid tumors. However, as with other types of cancer treatments, ICB-based immunotherapy is hampered by both innate and acquired drug resistance. We previously reported the enrichment of gene signatures associated with wound healing, epithelial-to-mesenchymal, and angiogenesis processes in the tumors of patients with innate resistance to PD-1 checkpoint antibody therapy; we termed these the Innate Anti-PD-1 Resistance Signatures (IPRES). The TGF-β and VEGFA pathways emerge as the dominant drivers of IPRES-associated processes. Here, we review these pathways' functions, their roles in immunosuppression, and the currently available therapies that target them. We also discuss recent developments in the targeting of TGF-β using a specific antibody class termed trap antibody. The application of trap antibodies opens the promise of localized targeting of the TGF-β and VEGFA pathways within the tumor microenvironment. Such specificity may offer an enhanced therapeutic window that enables suppression of the IPRES processes in the tumor microenvironment while sparing the normal homeostatic functions of TGF-β and VEGFA in healthy tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa T Bu
- Department of Medicine/Dermatology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Pallavi Chandrasekhar
- Department of Medicine/Dermatology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Lizhong Ding
- Department of Medicine/Dermatology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy UCLA, USA; David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Willy Hugo
- Department of Medicine/Dermatology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy UCLA, USA; David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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13
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Li X, Wu Y, Tian T. TGF-β Signaling in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (mCRC): From Underlying Mechanism to Potential Applications in Clinical Development. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:14436. [PMID: 36430910 PMCID: PMC9698504 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a serious public health issue, and it has the leading incidence and mortality among malignant tumors worldwide. CRC patients with metastasis in the liver, lung or other distant sites always have poor prognosis. Thus, there is an urgent need to discover the underlying mechanisms of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) and to develop optimal therapy for mCRC. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling plays a significant role in various physiologic and pathologic processes, and aberrant TGF-β signal transduction contributes to mCRC progression. In this review, we summarize the alterations of the TGF-β signaling pathway in mCRC patients, the functional mechanisms of TGF-β signaling, its promotion of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, its facilitation of angiogenesis, its suppression of anti-tumor activity of immune cells in the microenvironment and its contribution to stemness of CRC cells. We also discuss the possible applications of TGF-β signaling in mCRC diagnosis, prognosis and targeted therapies in clinical trials. Hopefully, these research advances in TGF-β signaling in mCRC will improve the development of new strategies that can be combined with molecular targeted therapy, immunotherapy and traditional therapies to achieve better efficacy and benefit mCRC patients in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tian Tian
- College of Life Science and Bioengineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, China
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14
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Wang X. Liquid Phase Concentrated Growth Factor Improves Autologous Fat Graft Survival In Vivo in Nude Mice. Aesthetic Plast Surg 2021; 45:3088-3089. [PMID: 34669006 DOI: 10.1007/s00266-021-02636-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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15
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Kang DS, Lee HJ, Seo YR, Lee CM, Hwang IT. Identifying the role of RUNX2 in bone development through network analysis in girls with central precocious puberty. Mol Cell Toxicol 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s13273-021-00183-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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16
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Gao ZZ, Li C, Chen G, Yuan JJ, Zhou YQ, Jiao JY, Nie L, Qi J, Yang Y, Chen SQ, Wang HB. Optimization strategies for expression of a novel bifunctional anti-PD-L1/TGFBR2-ECD fusion protein. Protein Expr Purif 2021; 189:105973. [PMID: 34560256 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2021.105973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The novel anti-PD-L1/TGFBR2-ECD fusion protein (BR102) comprises an anti-PD-L1 antibody (HS636) which is fused at the C terminus of the heavy chain to a TGF-β1 receptor Ⅱ ectodomain (TGFBR2-ECD), and which can sequester the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway and TGF-β bioactivity in the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. In the expression of TGFBR2-ECD wild-type fused protein (BR102-WT), a 50 kDa clipped species was confirmed to be induced by proteolytic cleavage at a "QKS" site located in the N-terminus of the ectodomain, which resulted in the formation of IgG-like clipping. The matrix metalloproteinase-9 was determined to be associated with BR102-WT digestion. In addition, it was observed that the N-glycosylation modifications of the fusion protein were tightly involved in regulating proteolytic activity and the levels of cleavage could be significantly suppressed by MMP-inhibitors. To avoid proteolytic degradation, eliminating protease-sensitive amino acid motifs and introducing potential glycosylation were performed. Three sensitive motifs were mutated, and the levels of clipping were strongly restrained. The mutant candidates exhibited similar binding affinities to hPD-L1 and hTGF-β1 as well as highly purified BR102-WT2. Furthermore, the mutants displayed more significant proteolytic resistance than that of BR102-WT2 in the lysate incubation reaction and the plasma stability test. Moreover, the bifunctional candidate Mu3 showed an additive antitumor effect in MC38/hPD-L1 bearing models as compared to that of with anti-PD-L1 antibody alone. In conclusion, in this study, the protease-sensitive features of BR102-WT were well characterized and efficient optimization was performed. The candidate BR102-Mutants exhibited advanced druggability in drug stability and displayed desirable antitumor activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhang-Zhao Gao
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310006, China; Hisun Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311404, China
| | - Cui Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310006, China
| | - Gang Chen
- Hisun Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311404, China
| | - Jun-Jie Yuan
- Hisun Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311404, China
| | - Ya-Qiong Zhou
- Hisun Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311404, China
| | - Jing-Yu Jiao
- Hisun Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311404, China
| | - Lei Nie
- Hisun Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311404, China
| | - Jian Qi
- Hisun Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311404, China
| | - Yong Yang
- Hisun Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311404, China
| | - Shu-Qing Chen
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310006, China.
| | - Hai-Bin Wang
- Hisun Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311404, China.
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17
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The TGF-β Pathway: A Pharmacological Target in Hepatocellular Carcinoma? Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13133248. [PMID: 34209646 PMCID: PMC8268320 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13133248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-β) superfamily members are essential for tissue homeostasis and consequently, dysregulation of their signaling pathways contributes to the development of human diseases. In the liver, TGF-β signaling participates in all the stages of disease progression from initial liver injury to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). During liver carcinogenesis, TGF-β plays a dual role on the malignant cell, behaving as a suppressor factor at early stages, but contributing to later tumor progression once cells escape from its cytostatic effects. Moreover, TGF-β can modulate the response of the cells forming the tumor microenvironment that may also contribute to HCC progression, and drive immune evasion of cancer cells. Thus, targeting the TGF-β pathway may constitute an effective therapeutic option for HCC treatment. However, it is crucial to identify biomarkers that allow to predict the response of the tumors and appropriately select the patients that could benefit from TGF-β inhibitory therapies. Here we review the functions of TGF-β on HCC malignant and tumor microenvironment cells, and the current strategies targeting TGF-β signaling for cancer therapy. We also summarize the clinical impact of TGF-β inhibitors in HCC patients and provide a perspective on its future use alone or in combinatorial strategies for HCC treatment.
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Two Complementarity Immunotherapeutics in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Patients-Mechanism of Action and Future Concepts. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13112836. [PMID: 34200219 PMCID: PMC8201041 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13112836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Here, we focused on the most important mechanisms of action of combined immunotherapy with modern anticancer approaches in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer. This knowledge is extremely important for lung cancer clinicians. First, it facilitates proper involvement of the patient in the treatment and monitoring its effectiveness. More importantly, the knowledge of the immunotherapy mechanisms will certainly allow quick recognition of the side effects of such a therapy, which are totally different of those observed after chemotherapy. Side effects of combination therapies can occur at any stage of treatment, and even after completion thereof. This review article could particularly explain the mechanism of action of combined immunotherapy, which have different targets in patients. Abstract Due to the limited effectiveness of immunotherapy used as first-line monotherapy in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the concepts of combining classical immunotherapy based on immune checkpoint antibodies with other treatment methods have been developed. Pembrolizumab and atezolizumab were registered in combination with chemotherapy for the treatment of metastatic NSCLC, while durvalumab found its application in consolidation therapy after successful chemoradiotherapy in patients with locally advanced NSCLC. Exceptionally attractive, due to their relatively low toxicity and high effectiveness, are treatment approaches in which a combination of two different immunotherapy methods is applied. This method is based on observations from clinical trials in which nivolumab and ipilimumab were used as first-line therapy for advanced NSCLC. It turned out that the dual blockade of immune checkpoints activated T lymphocytes in different compartments of the immune response, at the same time affecting the downregulation of immune suppressor cells (regulatory T cells). These experiments not only resulted in the registration of combination therapy with nivolumab and ipilimumab, but also initiated other clinical trials using immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in combination with other ICIs or activators of costimulatory molecules found on immune cells. There are also studies in which ICIs are associated with molecules that modify the tumour environment. This paper describes the mechanism of the synergistic effect of a combination of different immunotherapy methods in NSCLC patients.
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Zhang J, Zhang Y, Qu B, Yang H, Hu S, Dong X. If small molecules immunotherapy comes, can the prime be far behind? Eur J Med Chem 2021; 218:113356. [PMID: 33773287 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Anti-cancer immunotherapy, which includes cellular immunotherapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors and cancer vaccines, has transformed the treatment strategies of several malignancies in the past decades. Immune checkpoints blockade (ICB) is the most commonly tested therapy and has the potential to induce a durable immune response in different types of cancers. However, all approved immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), which are fraught with disadvantages including lack of oral bioavailability, prolonged tissue retention and poor membrane permeability. Therefore, the research focus has shifted to developing small molecule inhibitors to obviate the limitations of mAbs. Given the complexity of the tumor micro-environment (TME), the combination of ICIs with various small molecule agonists/inhibitors are currently being tested in clinical trials to improve treatment outcomes and prevent tumor recurrence. In this review, we have summarized the mechanisms and therapeutic potential of several molecular targets, along with the current status of small molecule inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyu Zhang
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China
| | - Bingxue Qu
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China
| | - Haiyan Yang
- Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), PR China; Institute of Cancer and Basic Medicine (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, PR China
| | - Shengquan Hu
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China.
| | - Xiaowu Dong
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China; Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China; Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China.
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